Dog Determination - Martin Wiles

Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Matthew 7:24 NLT

Dog determination helped my middle brother walk.

Gypsy was an ornery little cuss that, with the exception of one person, liked no one other than people in our immediate family. He was a Chihuahua-Manchester mix. Along with his ill nature came determination.

When my middle brother was ready to leave the crawling stage and walk, Gypsy was the item he chose to pull up on. Like the ruptured Titanic, Gypsy’s stomach sank as my brother’s weight pressed upon his back. Sometimes, his stomach would almost reach the floor, but he would never move until my brother was standing. Then, he scooted away, leaving my brother with a decision: walk or sit. He chose to walk.

Gypsy was a foundation that at times seemed almost ready to crumble, but he never did. When my brother realized the dog was reliable, he came back for more and eventually learned to walk without Gypsy’s help.

Jesus is the foundation we need to depend on as my brother did on Gypsy. When we obey Jesus’ commands, we build on this foundation and that makes us like a man who builds a house on a solid rock foundation. When the storms assault the house, it will stand—unlike the person who chose to build their house on sand that would easily wash away under heaven rains.

Obeying Jesus’ commands doesn’t just happen. It takes determination. As my brother had to rely on our dog to walk, and as the dog had to stand there while he pressed on him, so we must rely on Jesus’ power to obey. Otherwise, we’ll crumble like the house the man built on sand.

I normally accomplish what I’m determined to do. When I’m determined, I’ll put my all into doing whatever I’m determined about. Above all else, that should be obeying God’s commands. The secret is reliance on His indwelling Spirit. Not only is he our comforter, teacher, and guide, but he is also our source of strength. By his power, we can obey. By his power, we can continually build our lives on the solid foundation of faith in Christ.

Are you dog determined to obey God’s commands? Don’t let obedience merely be a matter of convenience.

Father, help me make my life’s goal to live in complete obedience to You. 

Don't forget to add your comments below. 

Tweetable: Are you dog determined to obey God? 

Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.